How to Use Prismacolor Markers

Dimetrodon using prismacolor technique

Rich and fluid color defines Prismacolor® markers. Color lays down fast. The double-ended markers have a smooth, silky ink flow allowing various artistic applications. The broad nib's wide coverage works like a paintbrush. Utilize the fine nib to work in detail. With a boundless array of colors and tones, Prismacolor® markers are suitable for cartoon illustration, fashion design and technical drawing. Learn how to employ the nibs to render both free-flowing and highly stylized drawings.

Difficulty:

Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• • Marker tablet or Bristol paper
• • "Marker Magic: The Rendering Problem Solver for Designers" by Richard M. McGarry
• • "Fashion Rendering with Color" by Bina Abling

1. Devise a color chart with markers before beginning any drawing project. Lay down color on medium-weight, smooth paper such as Bristol paper or marker tablet. Strive for a wide range of tonal values. Use this chart as a reference for consistent color in your work. Write down the exact marker color below each square of color. If two colors are blended, make a notation. Refer to "Marker Magic" for various rendering techniques or further troubleshooting.

2. Draw cartoons or graphic illustrations. These require precise color placement. Lightly sketch a pencil drawing. Begin coloring with skin tones or the lightest color marker you have. Use the broad nib for medium line work. Use the fine nib for facial expressions and making precision lines. This first color represents highlights. While color is wet, use a similar tone to smooth and blend this mid-tone into the initial color. Move to the darkest color on the same palette for shadowed areas.

3. Render fashion drawings by composing both loose sketches and stylized designs. Both will require different tips and line weights. Fill in foundation areas with the lightest tone. Progress to shadow areas (eyes, nose, chin) using a medium flesh tone. Work on clothing. Apply two to three different values of the same color starting with the lightest. Keep color and line strokes consistent. Work quickly to best blend colors. Check out "Fashion Rendering with Color" for helpful hints.

4. Create depth in architectural drawing by choosing three markers in the same color line. Again, start with the lightest for highlighting. Gradually add a mid-tone. Blend while wet for a smooth transition. Apply the darkest color for shadows under eaves, in doorways or under shady trees. Employ the broad end to color background or fill large areas. It lays down color fast like a paintbrush. Work in circular movements to avoid streaks or flat color.

5. Make use of the fine nib for stippling. Use this effect as an alternative to blended shadowing. Fill in an area with dense dots when more shadow is required. Use the same nib for cross-hatching. Closely spaced parallel lines make an area darker. Apply the fine nib to clean up or define rough edges. Burnish small areas by layering multiple colors. Once dry, apply a light tone. This produces a polished surface in the drawing.

6. Work with two different colors for strong, vivid contrast. Juxtapose the colors for impact. Look for toner compatibility for smooth blending techniques. Experiment with a light layer of color. Apply color on top of color to reach a new effect. Try different strokes. Use one color vertically. Add the same color in mid-tone horizontally while the first is wet. Practice using a colorless blender. The "clear alcohol-based ink" blends colors and blurs out hard lines.

7. Layer color. Begin with a lighter colored marker that will become the base color of the drawing. Allow the color to dry. Reapply the same color again in specific areas for more intense color. Overlay shadowed areas. The second layer of color will become increasingly darker the more it is applied. When used between colors that are still wet, cool gray tones add dimension. Blend two compatible colors together for uniformity.

8. Leave areas blank for highlights or Manga or Shojo special effects such as teardrops or stars. Alternately, after the color completely dries, use a white highlight paint marker to retouch key areas. Go to mangarevolution.com (see Resources below) for tutorials.

Tips & Warnings

• • When employing the broad nib, turn the marker tip to reach small areas. • Don't allow the marker to stay static. Move the tip in a smooth, circular motion. • Use the side of the broad nib like a calligraphy pen for medium line rendition. • Use wide nib for medium to thick lines. Rotate nib for a longer edge. • Use fine nib for thin lines, outlining, fine details, and texture. • Wipe colorless blender after every use.

• • Prismacolor markers do not work well with rough, heavy- fibered paper. Your work will bleed along the edges and the paper will absorb too much ink. Markers work best on a medium-weight smooth paper. • Use in well-ventilated area.

Resources

• FARP - Fantasy Art Resource Project
• Prismacolor
• Blick Art Materials
• Using Prismacolor markers for Shojo Pics